What is the term for an order issued by a code enforcement officer requiring an accused person to appear in court?

The term for an order issued by a code enforcement officer requiring an accused person to appear in court is "Notice to Appear." This document serves as a formal notification that an individual has been charged with a violation of a specific code and must respond to these allegations in a judicial setting. It typically outlines the details of the violation, the date, time, and location of the court appearance, and may provide options for compliance or resolution before the court date. The purpose of the "Notice to Appear" is to ensure due process by allowing the accused individual the opportunity to contest the claims made against them.

In the context of code enforcement, it is vital to differentiate between various types of notifications. A "Notice of Violation," for instance, generally refers to a communication that informs a property owner of an observed violation, but it does not compel a court appearance. Similarly, a "Code Compliance Order" is primarily aimed at requiring compliance with existing laws or ordinances rather than summoning someone to court. Lastly, a "Judicial Summons" tends to relate to more overarching legal matters and is often used in cases beyond code enforcement alone. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the procedural steps involved in code enforcement and the legal rights of individuals facing these charges